Bridge faucet assembly

ABSTRACT

A faucet assembly includes a unitary non-fluidic body defined by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying support member. The first non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the first end body and the spout riser, and the second non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the second end body and the spout riser.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a faucet, and, more particularly, to a bridge faucet assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A faucet assembly typically includes a spout having a spray head coupled via fluid conduits to a pair of hot and cold water valves. Valve operators, e.g., handles, are connected to the hot and cold water valves, respectively, and in turn, typically operate the valves by manual rotation of the valve operators. One such faucet assembly is known as a bridge faucet.

Bridge faucets in the prior art supply hot and cold water from the end bodies to the spout riser above the mounting surface, e.g., the deck plate, countertop, etc., for the bridge faucet. Such a configuration, for example, makes it difficult to supply water to a hose connection for a pull-out faucet spray head or a side spray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in one form thereof, is directed to a faucet assembly. The faucet assembly includes a unitary non-fluidic body defined by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying support member. The first non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the first end body and the spout riser, and the second non-fluid carrying support member is suspended between the second end body and the spout riser.

The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a method for assembling a bridge faucet. The method includes providing a first end body, a second end body and a spout riser; connecting a first non-fluid carrying support member between the first end body and the spout riser; and connecting a second non-fluid carrying support member between the second end body and the spout riser.

The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to a bridge faucet assembly. The bridge faucet assembly includes a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, and a spray head coupled to the spout riser. A first non-fluid carrying support member is connected between the first end body and the spout riser. A second non-fluid carrying support member is connected between the second end body and the spout riser. The first end body, the second end body, and the spout riser are coupled to a first side of a mounting surface, with each of the first non-fluid carrying support member and the second non-fluid carrying support member being spaced away from the mounting surface. A first valve unit is mounted to the first end body. A second valve unit is mounted to the second end body. A first flexible fluid carrying conduit couples the first valve unit to the spray head. A second flexible fluid carrying conduit couples the second valve unit to the spray head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bridge faucet assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion of the deck plate and countertop broken away.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the bridge faucet of FIG. I taken along line 2-2.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a bridge faucet assembly 10 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Bridge faucet assembly 10 is mounted to a mounting surface, such as for example, to countertop 12 forming a mounting surface 12-1. Other examples of mounting surfaces include, but are not limited to, a deck plate, a wall, a sink, etc. Much of countertop 12 is broken away to more clearly show the configuration of bridge faucet assembly 10.

Bridge faucet assembly 10 includes a unitary non-fluidic body 14. Unitary non-fluidic body 14 defines a first end body 16, a second end body 18, a spout riser 20, a first non-fluid carrying support member 22 and a second non-fluid carrying support member 24. First non-fluid carrying support member 22 is positioned as a cross-member that is suspended and connected between first end body 16 and spout riser 20, and second non-fluid carrying support member 24 is positioned as a cross-member that is suspended and connected between second end body 18 and spout riser 20. Within unitary non-fluidic body 14, there is an absence of fluid flow between first end body 16 and spout riser 20 via support member 22, and an absence of fluid flow between second end body 18 and spout riser 20 via support member 24.

Each of first end body 16, second end body 18, spout riser 20, first non-fluid carrying support member 22 and second non-fluid carrying support member 24 may be, for example, a discrete element which when assembled form unitary non-fluidic body 14. In one embodiment, for example, unitary non-fluidic body 14 may be substantially rigid when assembled, while providing some flexibility at the connection joints if desired, such as for example, by using O-ring retainers (e.g., a compression fit) between the respective elements to be joined.

Alternatively, first non-fluid carrying support member 22 may be rigidly connected between first end body 16 and spout riser 20, such as for example, by weld or threaded coupling. Likewise, second non-fluid carrying support member 24 may be rigidly connected between second end body 18 and spout riser 20, such as for example, by weld or threaded coupling.

As a further alternative, unitary non-fluidic body 14 may be formed from a single casting, and may be further machined, for example, to define the interior bores of first end body 16, second end body 18, and spout riser 20.

The non-fluid carrying support members 22, 24 provide structural support to maintain the orientation of each of first end body 16 and second end body 18 with respect to spout riser 20. Since the non-fluid carrying support members, i.e., cross-members, 22 and 24 do not carry a fluid flow, each may be solid if desired, or may be hollow, e.g., formed from pipe, to reduce weight.

Referring also to FIG. 2, first end body 16 may be formed, for example, as an upwardly extending cylindrical body having a bore 16-1, and having an upper end 16-2 spaced apart from a lower end 16-3. Second end body 18 also may be formed, for example, as an upwardly extending cylindrical body having a bore 18-1, and having an upper end 18-2 spaced apart from a lower end 18-3. Further, spout riser 20 also may be formed, for example, as an upwardly extending cylindrical body having a bore 20-1, and having an upper end 20-2 spaced apart from a lower end 20-3.

A first valve unit 26 is coupled to first end body 16 by inserting an actuator end 26-1 of first valve unit 26 into bore 16-1 at lower end 16-3 of first end body 16. At an end of first valve unit 26 opposite to actuator end 26-1 is a valve body end 26-2. A second valve unit 28 is coupled to second end body 18 by inserting an actuator end 28-1 of second valve unit 28 into bore 18-1 at lower end 18-3 of second end body 18. At an end of second valve unit 28 opposite to actuator end 28-1 is a valve body end 28-2.

A first valve operator 30, e.g., an operator lever, is connected to actuator end 26-1 of first valve unit 26 for operating first valve unit 26. This connection may be a direct connection, or via a spindle. A second valve operator 32, e.g., an operator lever, is connected to actuator end 28-1 of second valve unit 28 for operating second valve unit 28. This connection also may be a direct connection, or via a spindle.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a spout 34 has a proximal end 34-1 rotatably mounted at upper end 20-2 of spout riser 20. Spout 34 extends upwardly from spout riser 20 toward a distal end 34-2. A pull-out spray head 35 is detachably mounted to distal end 34-2 of spout 34.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a deck plate 36 optionally may be provided as a mounting surface for the unitary non-fluidic body 14. Deck plate 36 has a top side 36-1 and a bottom side 36-2 opposite from top side 36-1. Deck plate 36 is interposed between countertop 12 and the unitary non-fluidic body 14 so as to, for example, provide a finished appearance by covering openings formed in countertop 12. Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the optional deck plate 36 may not be used, and the unitary non-fluidic body 14 may be mounted directly to mounting surface 12-1 of countertop 12. In any event, in the present embodiment each of first non-fluid carrying support member 22 and second non-fluid carrying support member 24 are spaced away, e.g., vertically, from the mounting surface, e.g., mounting surface 12-1, deck plate 36, or other mounting surface.

Unitary non-fluidic body 14 is positioned above the mounting surface, e.g., above deck plate 36, and each of end body 16, end body 18 and spout riser 20 may be mounted to the top side 36-1 of deck plate 36 by fasteners, or by an interference fit. Each of valve body end 26-2 of first valve unit 26 and valve body end 28-2 of second valve unit 28 are positioned to extend outwardly from bottom side 36-2 of deck plate 36, e.g., to extend downwardly from unitary non-fluidic body 14 through corresponding openings in countertop 12 and from bottom side 36-2 of deck plate 36.

A fluid conduit assembly 38 is located below the mounting surface, e.g., below deck plate 36, and all connections of fluid conduit assembly 38 with valve body end 26-2 of first valve unit 26 and valve body end 28-2 of second valve unit 28 occur below countertop 12 and deck plate 36.

Fluid conduit assembly 38 has a plurality of flexible fluid conduits 40 arranged to facilitate fluid communication between spray head 35 and each of first valve unit 26 and second valve unit 28, and to both a hot water source (H) and a cold water source (C). As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of flexible fluid conduits 40 includes a flexible hot water supply conduit 40-1, a flexible cold water supply conduit 40-2, a flexible hot water transfer conduit 40-3, a flexible cold water transfer conduit 40-4, and a T-fitting 40-5.

Flexible hot water supply conduit 40-1 is coupled between the hot water source (H) and the input side of valve body end 26-2 of first valve unit 26. Flexible cold water supply conduit 40-2 is coupled between the cold water source (C) and the input side of valve body end 28-2 of second valve unit 28.

Flexible hot water transfer conduit 40-3 is coupled between the output side of valve body end 26-2 of first valve unit 26 and an input port 42-1 on T-fitting 40-5. Flexible cold water transfer conduit 40-4 is coupled between the output side of valve body end 28-2 of second valve unit 28 and an input port 42-2 on T-fitting 40-5. An output port 42-3 of T-fitting is connected to a flexible spray head conduit 44. The flexible spray head conduit 44 is attached to pull-out spray head 35, with flexible spray head conduit 44 having been pre-routed through spout 34 and bore 20-1 of spout riser 20.

Accordingly, the present invention avoids supplying water between the end bodies 16, 18 and the spout riser 20 above the mounting surface, e.g., above countertop mounting surface 12-1 and/or deck plate 36. By keeping the waterways provided by fluid conduit assembly 38 below the mounting surface, e.g., below deck plate 36 and/or countertop 12, for example, the present invention easily facilitates the use of a pull-out spray head in a bridge faucet design.

While this invention has been described with respect to embodiments of the invention, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 

1. A faucet assembly, comprising a unitary non-fluidic body defined by a first end body, a second end body, a spout riser, a first non-fluid carrying support member, and a second non-fluid carrying support member, said first non-fluid carrying support member being suspended between said first end body and said spout riser, and said second non-fluid carrying support member being suspended between said second end body and said spout riser.
 2. The faucet assembly of claim 1, said unitary non-fluidic body being substantially rigid.
 3. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein each of said first end body, said second end body, said spout riser, said first non-fluid carrying support member, and said second non-fluid carrying support member is a discrete element which when assembled form said unitary non-fluidic body.
 4. The faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein said unitary non-fluidic body is located on a first side of a mounting surface with each of said first non-fluid carrying support member and said second non-fluid carrying support member being spaced away from said mounting surface, said faucet assembly further comprising: a first valve unit, said first valve unit being mounted to said first end body; a second valve unit, said second valve unit being mounted to said second end body; a spout, said spout being coupled to said spout riser; a spray head coupled to said spout; and a fluid conduit assembly having a plurality of flexible fluid conduits arranged to provide fluid communication between said spray head and each of said first valve unit and said second valve unit, said fluid conduit assembly being located on a second side of said mounting surface opposite to said first side.
 5. The faucet assembly of claim 4, wherein: said first end body has a first bore, a first upper end, and a first lower end, and said first valve unit has a first actuator end and a first valve body end opposite to said first actuator end, said first actuator end of said first valve unit being inserted into said first bore at said first lower end of said first end body to facilitate the mounting of said first valve unit to said first end body; and said second end body has a second bore, a second upper end, and a second lower end, and said second valve unit has a second actuator end and a second valve body end opposite to said second actuator end, said second actuator end of said second valve unit being inserted into said second bore at said second lower end of said second end body to facilitate the mounting of said second valve unit to said second end body.
 6. The faucet assembly of claim 5, wherein said first valve body end of said first valve unit and said second valve body end of said second valve unit are positioned to extend outwardly from said second side of said mounting surface.
 7. A method for assembling a bridge faucet, comprising: providing a first end body, a second end body and a spout riser; connecting a first non-fluid carrying support member between said first end body and said spout riser; and connecting a second non-fluid carrying support member between said second end body and said spout riser.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising positioning said first end body, said second end body and said spout riser at a location above a mounting surface, with each of said first non-fluid carrying support member and said second non-fluid carrying support member being spaced away from said mounting surface.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: mounting a first valve unit to said first end body; mounting a second valve unit to said second end body; and mounting a spout having a spray head to said spout riser.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: positioning said first end body, said second end body and said spout riser at a location on a first side of a mounting surface; and arranging a plurality of flexible fluid conduits at a location on a second side of said mounting surface opposite said first side to provide fluid communication between said spray head and each of said first valve unit and said second valve unit.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising: mounting a first valve unit to said first end body; and mounting a second valve unit into said second end body, wherein: said first end body has a first bore, a first upper end, and a first lower end, and said first valve unit has a first actuator end and a first valve body end opposite to said first actuator end, said first actuator end of said first valve unit being inserted into said first bore at said first lower end of said first end body to facilitate said mounting of said first valve unit to said first end body; and said second end body has a second bore, a second upper end, and a second lower end, and said second valve unit has a second actuator end and a second valve body end opposite to said second actuator end, said second actuator end of said second valve unit being inserted into said second bore at said second lower end of said second end body to facilitate said mounting of said second valve unit to said second end body.
 12. A bridge faucet assembly, comprising: a first end body; a second end body; a spout riser; a spray head coupled to said spout riser; a first non-fluid carrying support member connected between said first end body and said spout riser; a second non-fluid carrying support member connected between said second end body and said spout riser; a mounting surface, wherein said first end body, said second end body, and said spout riser are coupled to a first side of said mounting surface, with each of said first non-fluid carrying support member and said second non-fluid carrying support member being spaced away from said mounting surface; a first valve unit mounted to said first end body; a second valve unit mounted to said second end body; a first flexible fluid carrying conduit coupling said first valve unit to said spray head; and a second flexible fluid carrying conduit coupling said second valve unit to said spray head.
 13. The bridge faucet assembly of claim 12, wherein said first flexible fluid carrying conduit and said second flexible fluid carrying conduit are positioned on a second side of said mounting surface opposite to said first side.
 14. The bridge faucet assembly of claim 12, further comprising a T-fitting and a flexible spray head conduit interposed between said spray head and each of said first flexible fluid carrying conduit and said second flexible fluid carrying conduit, said flexible spray head conduit being routed through said spout riser, said T-fitting having a first input, a second input and an output, said first input being coupled to said first flexible fluid carrying conduit, said second input being coupled to said second flexible fluid carrying conduit, and said flexible spray head conduit being coupled between said output of said T-fitting and said spray head.
 15. The bridge faucet assembly of claim 12, wherein: said first end body has a first bore, a first upper end, and a first lower end, and said first valve unit has a first actuator end and a first valve body end opposite to said first actuator end, said first actuator end of said first valve unit being inserted into said first bore at said first lower end of said first end body to facilitate the mounting of said first valve unit to said first end body; and said second end body has a second bore, a second upper end, and a second lower end, and said second valve unit has a second actuator end and a second valve body end opposite to said second actuator end, said second actuator end of said second valve unit being inserted into said second bore at said second lower end of said second end body to facilitate the mounting of said second valve unit to said second end body. 